Cheney looking to stake claim

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 6: Kyle Cheney of the Crows in action during the Adelaide Crows training session at Football Park on December 6, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

After a write-off of a season punctured by groin and hamstring injuries, experienced Adelaide defender Kyle Cheney is ready to once again stake his claim for a permanent spot in the Crows’ backline.

At 28, Cheney is the second-oldest player – only a couple months younger than utility Andy Otten – in an otherwise youthful Crows’ squad for the inaugural AFLX tournament at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday night.

The quick seven-a-side format probably isn’t ideal for medium-sized defenders capable of marking tall and small forwards, but Cheney’s happy to simply be pulling on the Crows’ jumper again.

He played every game of the 2016 season before a groin injury, followed by a persistent hamstring complaints, kept him sidelined for the majority of last year.

Jake Lever’s departure to Melbourne has created a vacancy in the Crows’ backline, with Cheney, Otten and 2015 first-round draft pick Tom Doedee the leading candidates to seize the opportunity.

“I had a pretty frustrating year last year, but I’m super excited to get out there and play AFLX against some genuine opposition, not just my teammates,” said Cheney, who has played 77 career games across stints with the Crows, Melbourne (2009-10) and Hawthorn (2011-14).

“I’ve done a fair chunk of the pre-season now.

“I missed the first bit, but I’m up and going and available for selection.”